JPS63284799A - Radio frequency lighting system and method of operation of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to systems and methods of operation of gas discharge lamps, and more particularly to systems and methods of operating gas discharge lamps, and more particularly to systems and methods of operating gas discharge lamps, and more particularly to systems and methods of operating gas discharge lamps. The present invention relates to a system incorporating a method and apparatus for operating a gas discharge lamp from a source.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Representative prior art related to the general field of the invention can be found in the following US Pat.

Number Date 3.889.153 6/10/75 Power supply for fluorescent lamps etc. 3.896.336 7/22/75 Solid state fluorescent lamp ballast system 4,127.798 11/28/78 Lamp circuit 4.207 .497 6/10/80 Ballast structure for central high-frequency dimming bag E 4.207.498 6/10/80 Power supply and dimming system for gas discharge lamps 4.210.846 7/ 1/80 Gas discharge lamps Inverter circuit for power supply and dimming 4.222.096 9/9/80 High power factor DC
Power Supply Circuits Within the experience of the inventors in the above field, a number of drawbacks have arisen which are obviated by the novel method and apparatus of the present invention as described below.

Some of the conventionally recognized drawbacks include the inability to ignite individual lamps connected to a high frequency power source in an irregular order, substantially equalizing the light output of the individual lamps when ignited; or the inability to balance and obtain an effective dimming range greater than 50% of the maximum brightness of a given lamp.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Although the method and apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail below, in summary, in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of gas discharge lamps operated by a variable high frequency alternating current power source have a power factor. an inductive or capacitive ballast containing a substantially equal number of flux actance elements, typically to reduce or prevent the existence of asymmetries in the operation of a given gas discharge lamp; and the component values are selected to produce individual resonant frequencies greater than 10% above or below the frequency of the variable alternating current power supply.

The present invention makes the voltage of a variable AC power supply substantially equal to the operating voltage of a plurality of lamp units connected in parallel to the power supply, and furthermore, the voltage of the variable AC power supply is reduced to a value at the start of operation. gradually increasing from to the desired operating value.
Includes protection devices and operating conditions including level response and timing means for initiating or re-initiating operation of a given system after an overload condition.

In a typical application of the principles of the invention, a plurality of lamp units consisting of a substantially equal number of units exhibiting capacitive or inductive ballast characteristics are connected in parallel to a high frequency power source of about 28.5 kHz. , the high-frequency power supply is controlled to produce an output voltage responsively equal to the rated operating voltage of the gas discharge lamp contained in the lamp unit, under which conditions the individual lamp units (for a given system wA can then be observed to "light up", as can be confirmed by observing a substantially uniformly low value of the current close to the operating current of . The high frequency power source also "lights" or starts the individual lamp units at approximately the same voltage as the operating voltage and substantially balances the light output of each of the lamp units for a given level of input voltage.

According to the invention, the DC potentials that can be harmful to the individual lamps and prevent operation at the low voltages required for large dimming ranges and that can exist between the electrodes of the individual lamps are eliminated. 5 normally obtained by known systems by the addition of actance elements placed in close proximity to or cooperating with the inductive part of the lamp unit so as to respond to asymmetric actuation tending to effectively form a block.
A large dimming range exceeding 0% can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 2, a pair of output terminals 11 and 1 of a variable power supply, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, are shown.
2, a circuit having substantially the same number of inductive gas discharge lamp units 13 and capacitive gas discharge lamp units 14 each containing a gas discharge lamp 15 is connected by conductors 16 and 17. In FIG. 2, the inductive gas discharge lamp unit 13 includes an inductor 19 and a capacitor 20 connected in series with the gas discharge lamp 15, and a capacitor 21 connected in parallel with the gas discharge lamp 15. There is. The capacitive gas discharge lamp unit 14 includes a capacitor 23 connected in series with the gas discharge lamp 15 , and a capacitor 23 connected in series with the gas discharge lamp 15 .
and a series circuit of an inductor 24 and a capacitor 25 connected in parallel.

Inductive and capacitive gas discharge lamp units 13 in systems capable of operating at a rated frequency of 28.5 kHz
．． The components used in 14 are as follows.

! ! 7LMM3L 1.70mH inductor 20 0.66μF capacitor 21 0.0166μF capacitor 23 0.
022μF capacitor 24 1.7mH inductor 25 0.66μF capacitor 15 Sylvania F13DDT type gas discharge lamp (
(13W, 65V line voltage) Capacitors 20 and 25 are connected in series with inductors 19 and 24, respectively, and have a capacitance that is 10 times or more that of capacitor 21 or 23.

As shown in block diagram form in FIG. 1, a typical power supply 10 includes a DC power source 28 connected to a control means 31 and an oscillator 30 (the oscillator 30 being a gas discharge lamp unit). 13 and 14, and is connected to an inverter 27 having an AC output terminal of about 28.5 kHz for connection to output current detection means 29.

The DC power source 28 may be a battery, such as those used in many portable power systems such as trucks, boats, etc., or a typical residential or commercial power system connected to a mains AC power source. A as used
The two examples of power supplies shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, which may be C power rectifiers, may require fewer or more functions for satisfactory operation, although one or the other may require fewer or more functions for satisfactory operation. , it will also be understood that they have common elements.

Here, however, essentially the same number of inductive gas discharge lamp units 13 and capacitive gas discharge lamp units 14 are connected in parallel to the output of the variable power supply, generally designated 10. As can be seen, the values of the components are such that neither gas discharge lamp unit 13 or 14 resonates at the rated operating frequency of a given system, in the present example 28.5 kHz. Selected. To explain it another way, the frequency characteristics of the lamp units 13 and 14 are
It is designed to exhibit resonance characteristics at a frequency that is 10% or more higher or lower than the rated operating frequency of zero.

In the illustrated embodiment, a gas discharge lamp 15 (FIG. 2) containing a filament is used, including a low-pressure sodium 1 "instant start" fluorescent lamp and a "bright arc" lamp marketed by Sylvania Corporation. It is also conceivable to use other forms of lamps, such as high-pressure lamps such as ``.

The manner in which the system operates will first be described assuming that all of the gas discharge lamp units are satisfactorily powered and emitting light at the highest possible level. If this condition is desired by the user, no further action is required.

However, under many operating conditions, the user will wish to reduce the illumination output to a desired level by dimming the gas discharge lamp unit, and in this case the control means 31 will be supplied from the power supply lO. and the level of illumination output of the gas discharge lamp unit can be reduced to a value significantly less than 50% of the maximum level. Typically, this (as shown in Figure 3)
This may be accomplished by reducing the DC voltage level of the power supply 28 provided to the inverter, or a transformer, etc. (not shown).
This is achieved by connecting the output terminals 11 and 12 of the inverter 27, thereby changing the level of the high frequency voltage.

If a fault or transient condition exists that causes the load connected to the power supply 10 to draw a current greater than a predetermined maximum value related to the capacity of the power supply IO, the current detection means 29 It may be actuated to turn device 10 into an off state.

This is typically accomplished by temporarily or permanently inhibiting operation of oscillator 30. When operation of the oscillator 30 is temporarily inhibited, as may occur during a momentary overload condition when the system is first started or powered, the control means 31 supplies the inverter 27 from the DC power source 28. to temporarily reduce the level of power supplied to the system, and the level to its maximum value at a rate determined by the timing circuit described below, to allow the ignition of all gas discharge lamp units connected in the system. can be operated to allow it to increase.

In embodiments utilizing the power supply and gas discharge lamp 15 of FIG. 3, the system may be configured such that the voltage applied to the gas discharge lamp unit is at least as high as a typical operating voltage, e.g. It is operating in the vicinity.

Each of the gas discharge lamp units is then operated to increase the level of voltage across each of the lamps contained therein, and each of the units is operated in a more or less random order, i.e. with a low current load. They will operate in a non-predetermined order so as to remain at an average level and the current capacity of the power supply 10 is not exceeded. However, if a predetermined level of current capacity is exceeded, such as the level determined by the current sensing means 29, the oscillator 30 is cut off and the starting sequence reduces the voltage below the rated operating voltage and the individual The lamp units are restarted by allowing the voltage to ramp or gradually increase to help ensure that the lamp units start in an irregular order.

Following a ramped increase in the applied voltage, the control means 31
can be operated to reduce the voltage to the voltage desired by the user of the system so that the individual lamp units can be dimmed to the desired illumination level. The "graded voltage ramp" or start-up time of the lamp unit of the system may be in the range of 1/8 to 3 seconds.

3A to 3C show an inverter 27, a DC power supply 28, a current detection means 29, an oscillator 30, and a control means 3.
A complete circuit of the power supply including 1 is shown.

Although the configuration of the power supply device will be easily understood from the disclosure of the composite circuit diagram in FIG. 3, the specifications of the components will be listed here for the convenience of those skilled in the art in implementing the present invention.

36 Signetics SG3526N type integrated circuit 37 2N4403 type transistor 38 2N
7646 type transistor 39 2N4403 type transistor 40 2N4992 type 5CR 41,42MTP8N20 type FET transistor 43 RCA 54060M type 5CR441μ
F capacitor 45 270 has an Ω resistor 46 20 μF capacitor 47 270 has an Ω resistor, 48 5 has an Ω potentiometer 49 5 has an Ω potentiometer 50 0.1 μF capacitor 51 417 has an Ω resistor 52 1N4404 diode 53 1N4404 diode 54 1N4004 diode 5 5 1N4004 Diode 56 20V, IV Zener diode 57
500Ω potentiometer 58 Ω resistor 59 at 3.3 Ω resistor 60 at 19 Ω resistor 61 at 5.3 Ω potentiometer 62 at 1 5MΩ potentiometer 63 1N4004 diode 64 200 μF capacitor 65 Ω resistor 66 at 5 1N4004 diode 1 The integrated circuit 36 has a plurality of numbered terminals that are connected to components of the following specifications.

jL! ! ! i Next day 1 70 Ω resistor 71 at 22 Ω resistor 72 at 1 Ω potentiometer 73 at 1.8 Ω resistor 74 100 Ω resistor 75 2204F μF capacitor 76 0
．． 005 μF capacitor 77 22 has Ω resistor 78 22 has Ω resistor 79 47 has Ω resistor 80 88 Ω resistor 81 36 has Ω resistor 82 0.01 μF capacitor 83 3.3 has Ω resistor Inverter 27 in Figure 3 The specifications of the other components belonging to are as follows.

1 plate certificate and 1. 86 Human power transformer 87 Output transformer 88 33Ω resistor 89 33Ω resistor 90 10Ω resistor 91 10Ω resistor 92 1N4936 diode 93, 33Ω resistor 94 150pF capacitor 95 1N4936 diode 96 33Ω resistor 97 1509F capacitor 98 68: Ω resistor 99 220 μF capacitor 100 68: Ω resistor 101 200 μF capacitor 102 Specifications of other components belonging to the current transformer current detection means 29 are as follows.

103 Ω potentiometer 104 47μF capacitor 105 10Ω resistor 106 2N4992 diode 107 10 Ω resistor 108 0.01μF capacitor IIJ control circuit 31 controls dimming through the joint of potentiometer 49. and thereby determine the duty cycle of 5CR 43 in DC power supply 28.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, when the device of FIG.
A capacitor 75 is connected to the terminal 4 of the integrated circuit 36 to provide a ramped voltage increase.
5 is discharged when power is cut off so that a "soft" start or "graded voltage increase" is restarted so that it is available for the next starting process.

Referring to FIGS. 38-3C, the illustrated power supplies are typically relatively low voltage 10OV, 60Hz.
It can be operated from a commercial power source that supplies alternating current. This power supply is connected through a suitable filter to a suitable rectifier in order to provide DC power to the oscillator 30 and control circuit 31 on the one hand and to the converter 27 on the other hand. The level of power that can be supplied to converter 27 is controlled by control circuit 3
5CR controlled by the secondary winding of the transformer TI with the primary winding connected to the transistor 38 in 1
It will be understood that the overcurrent cut-off is effected by the current detection means 29 of FIG.
is operable to disable integrated circuit 36 in zero.

Operation of control circuit 31 is inhibited so as to provide full voltage to the lamp unit when the power supply of FIGS. 3A-3C is first started.

This is accomplished by making transistor 39 conductive for a predetermined time period related to a time interval determined by capacitor 46 connected to transistor 37.

The specifications of the various components used in Figures 4A-4D are as follows.

Output transformer 111.112 Input power terminal 113 for connection to DC power source 2.00 μF capacitor 114, 2.00,17F capacitor 115
1.5KE39A type diode 116 1.5KE
39A type diode 117 220Ω resistor 118 220Ω resistor 119 1N4936 type diode 120 1
N4936 type diode 121 0.01μF capacitor 122 0.01. μF capacitor 123
MTP3055A type transistor 124 MTP
3055A type transistor 125 220Ω resistor 126 220Ω resistor 127 MTP3055A type transistor 128
MTP3055A type transistor 129
220Ω resistor 130 220Ω resistor 131 0.33μF capacitor 132 0.33μF capacitor 133 2N3706 type transistor 134
2N3706 type transistor 135 2N4403
type transistor 136 2N4403 type transistor 137 220Ω resistor 138 220Ω resistor 139 2N4403 type transistor 140
2N4403 type transistor 141 22Ω resistor 142 22Ω resistor 143 82Ω resistor 144 82Ω resistor 145 300Ω resistor 146 300Ω resistor 147 2.2kQ resistor 148 2.2Ω resistor 149 2N4403 type transistor 150
10 - Ω resistor 151 2. 2 - Ω resistor 152 47 - Ω resistor 153 22 - Ω resistor 154 22 - Ω resistor 155 22 - Ω resistor 156 1 - Ω potentiometer 157 ° 470 Ω resistor 158 0. 02μF capacitor 159 0.005μF capacitor 160 Connection terminal to rated 12V direct current voltage source 161 3542B integrated circuit...oscillator 162
Transformer 163 470Ω resistor 164 Full-wave rectifier bridge 165 consisting of 1N4001 type diode 0.47 μF capacitor 166 Ω potentiometer 167 at 1 Ω resistor 168 at 22 2N4992 type diode 169 2
．． 2 Ω resistor 170 ClO3 type 5CR 171470 Ω resistor 172 220 μF capacitor 173 1N4QOO type diode 174 1
Ω resistor 175 to 00 Ω resistor 176 to 10 1N4000 type diode 177 4
．． 7Ω resistor 178 2N3706 type transistor 179
10 Ω resistor 180 2.2kQ resistor 181 2N3706 type transistor 182
Ω resistor 183 at 47 Ω resistor 184 at 10 0.47 μF capacitor 185 1N4000 type diode 186 2
2Ω resistor 187 2N4992 type diode 188 2
．． 2 Ω resistor 189 ClO3 type 5CR 190470Ω resistor 191 Light emitting diode 192 1N4000 type diode 193 7
23 type integrated circuit 194 0.068μF capacitor 195 1
5: Ω resistor 196 0.47 μF capacitor 197 1: Ω resistor 198 1: Ω potentiometer 199 470 Ω resistor 200 22: Ω resistor 201 0.01 μF capacitor 202 2N4992 type diode 203 1
N753 type diode 204 Light emitting diode 205 Ω resistor 206 at 470 Ω resistor 207 at 2.2 ClO3 type 5CR 2081 N4000 type diode 209 470 Ω resistor 210 723 type integrated circuit 211 0.068 μF capacitor 212 1
Ω resistor 213 at 0, Ω resistor 214 at 4.7, Ω resistor 215 at 1, Ω potentiometer 216 at 1, Ω resistor 217 at 1, 0.47 μF capacitor 218, Ω resistor 219 at 10, 2N4403 type transistor 220
2.2 Ω resistor 221 85Ω resistor 222 1N4745A type diode 223
2.2 Ω resistor 224 ClO3 type 5CR 225470 Ω resistor 226 Light emitting diode 227 1N4000 type diode 228 1
The N4000 diode Figures 4A-4D are also shown as including a converter 27, current sensing means 29, and an oscillator 30, all of which are connected to a DC power source such as a battery (not shown). It is connected.

In the power supply device of FIGS. 4A to 4D, the integrated circuit 16
The oscillator 172 is utilized to provide a "slope voltage ramp" or "soft" start, ramp-up drive characteristic to the oscillator 30, which consists of 1 oscillator 30. Each time the device is disconnected, for example by disconnection from the power supply or by detection of an overcurrent at the output of converter 27 at terminals 1 and 12, the "sloping voltage increase" at the first start is repeated. It will be done.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of a high frequency power supply device using alternating current energy. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a complete high frequency lighting system including a power supply and a plurality of gas discharge lamps in the first ryJ. Figures 3A to 3C are circuit diagrams showing a divided circuit of one embodiment of the power supply device used in the present invention, and Figure 3D is a diagram showing how these circuit diagrams are combined. . Figures 48 to 4D are circuit diagrams showing a divided circuit of another embodiment of the power supply device used in the present invention, and Figure 4E is a diagram showing how these circuit diagrams are combined. It is.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In a high frequency lighting system, a plurality of lamp units including a variable source of high frequency current, a gas discharge lamp and capacitive ballast means therefor, and a gas discharge lamp and inductive ballast means therefor; circuit means for connecting said plurality of lamp units in parallel for feeding from said variable source of high frequency current; and said source of high frequency current. and means connected to control the output thereof. (2) A method of operating a lighting system comprising a plurality of gas discharge lamps, comprising the steps of providing a variable source of high-frequency current, and connecting a plurality of gas discharge lamps to said source of high-frequency current. , simultaneously changing the output of said source of high-frequency current from a lower level to a higher level.